Praiseworthy: Feb. 11, 2013

The Feb. 8, 2013, award for Best Belly Laugh of the Day (national division) goes to New York Times columnist Gail Collins for her hysterical piece on the "comeback" of Richard III, "My kingdom for a corpse," also a winner in the Great Headline division. The local Best Belly Laugh award goes to Maria Gaura for her slyly humorous letter on the "dangers" of outdoor toys and games. You go, girls! Keep 'em laughing!

Donna Hendrick, Santa Cruz

Kudos city staff

I read the article and subsequent letters to the editor and would like to compliment city planning staff Mike Ferry and Alex Khoury. It appears city staff bent over backwards and was more than patient with Dave's procrastination and lack of effort to resolve the problem. Dave needs to grow up and just follow the rules like everyone else. I would find it hard to believe the city of Monterey would allow a commercial kitchen without a grease trap.

Mike and Alex -- keep up the good work!

Tom Hart, Aptos

Go litter patrol!

On Friday, Jan. 25, I took advantage of a beautiful morning and went to West Cliff. There I encountered a group of teenagers picking up trash. I asked where they were from and was informed they were from Natural Bridges High. I was introduced to their teacher, Holly, with clipboard in hand, logging everything they picked up. She informed me they do this every Friday and also at Antonelli's Pond. If there is another teacher involved, please forgive me for not acknowledging you. I told Holly I would write to the Sentinel letting everyone know the good these young folks are doing. A promise made is a promise kept. If you encounter these youths while on West Cliff, please give them positive acknowledgement.

Sandra Cohen, Santa Cruz

Life savers

On Thursday, Jan. 24, at about 10 p.m., I felt my chest closing up. I had been under a doctor's care with pneumonia for about two weeks, with little progress. Within a few minutes, I was having difficulty breathing and my head was pounding.

My husband got me in the car and we went to Dominican Hospital ER. When he helped me through the door, a woman instantly ran with a wheelchair and got me in and ran as fast as she could to the ER room. Suddenly the room was full of people, saving my life. My blood pressure was 235/94 and I was only getting 82 percent of oxygen into my bloodstream. These people moved like lightening, doing everything possible to help me. They care so much, it's amazing!

I made it through the night, thanks to their efforts. The next day I was admitted to the hospital and was moved to the respiratory unit on the second floor, where I received the same dedicated care. These people truly care about each person and do everything possible to help them.

Thirty six hours later I was home again and very grateful to them for getting me there. I thank you with all of my heart.

Bonny Davis, Santa Cruz

Thanks for levee equipment

Thank you to who ever put the exercise equipment on the levee by the Ross/PetSmart parking lot. My girlfriend and I walk the levee every day and it is nice to be able to stretch and twist and glide. Thank you Santa Cruz City, Parks and Rec., whoever did that for us. Thanks.

Alexander Gaines, Santa Cruz

Bravo maestro

Maestro Michael Strunk is the driving force behind this incredible music. He chooses and arranges the songs, describes cultural and historical background of each of the songs, and conducts this sold-out, dancing, musical performance.

Lots of musical influences come together in this music -- African, European, indigenous, folk, and more. I loved the Brazilian Bossa Nova. There are a lot of Afro-Cuban songs which feature a strong horn section, and lots of percussion. Most of the performers learn the songs they sing in Spanish. They sound like native speakers when they perform.

I love this Cuban/salsa music and it is part of the top-notch Cabrillo music program.

The ensemble, is so valuable to the large number of people in the community who benefit by learning about the different styles of music of Latin America.